Originally Posted by AC1DD
Originally Posted by tiger862
I worked for dealerships for 30 years. A good service manager knows how to get techs paid if they make call to manufacturers for a comeback. If you choose to diagnose yourself by throwing parts at it then fix is on tech. Perfect example one tech decided computer was bad so after numerous returns they bought car back. I was working late when district manager drove car in after wrecker unhooked and asked me to look at it. I knew I wouldn't get paid but those things make life easier. We fixed for the price of an injector, he got mad and charged dealership for all repairs which tech got money taken out of his check. It happens at dealers all the time.
Sure it does and it creates a horrible morale for techs in the store, which then leads to high turnover, poor quality repairs, and unhappy customers...
A vicious cycle, the dealership model of business MUST come to an end.
There is generally plenty of Gravy to keep a mechanic fed. If one gets over his head....Ask for help! You have Manufacturer support for crying out loud!
Too much pride will get you in trouble as a Manufacturer doesn't pay unless you can document/prove out your diagnostic process!
Sure....A dealer service department will get away with it for a little while 'til they get audited & get charged back for letting Mechanic's run amuck with guess work.
The Flat-Rate system (Given it's a fair rate) along with being held responsible for the work you put out IS fair! It's usually the lazy/incompetent techs that cry about flat rate & being held responsible!
One of the bigger issues that the industry faces is.....Training! Techs DO NOT show up for training classes/seminars. I was part of a 17 Tech service department once & only a handful of us would show up for after hour training seminars! Some were manufacturer sponsored & some the dealership paid for.
You didn't get paid a hourly rate to be there, But it didn't cost anything either!
Everyone was down for paid training though!! Anything to ride a clock. Which wouldn't be as bad if they would at least pay attention.
***There are bad/toxic Shop/Service Department environments, Experienced Techs on a Salary is most likely a contributing factor!